Apparatus for a wind resistant and post load re-tensioning system utilizing a composite fabric and attachment apparatus

ABSTRACT

A roof fastening system that joins building walls or roof structures of a building frame to its foundation to provide a continuous load path that resists upward and lateral forces without interfering with the natural downward forces exerted on the frame over time. This system includes a composite material that combines the properties of a house wrap with high tensile strength low elongation fibers along one direction of the fabric and lower tensile strength high elongation fibers along one or more fabric directions that cross the high tensile strength low elongation fibers. The composite material extends from the top plates or heel truss of the framing of the structure down to its foundation to hold the frame together against high wind loading.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication 61/161,243 filed on Mar. 18, 2009, the entire content ofwhich is expressly incorporated herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most commercial and residential buildings along with other structuresare built using various framing methods. In particular, platform andballoon framing using wooden wall studs, floor joists and rafters arecommon practice for homes, and small offices and apartment buildings. Inplatform framing, the typical structure has a footing supporting afoundation wall with a flat top surface on which a sill plate isanchored. The wall studs are secured to the sill plate using nails asrequired by local codes, and a lower top plate and upper top plate arenailed to the other end of the wall studs to form the top supportingsurface of the walls. Plywood or OSB sheathing is then typically nailedto the outside face of the stud walls to provide rigidity and strengthagainst the sideways movement of the studs. The rafters or roof trussesand blocking would then be nailed to and supported by the top plates.The use of nails in such framing methods provides adequate resistance tothe lateral motion of the framing components relative to each other andhelps to prevent the framing members from pulling away from each other.The amount of leverage high winds and rapid changes in atmosphericpressure can produce at various locations within a structure's framing,however, can easily be sufficient to crack the framing members or prythe nails up at the fastening points. The uplifting force of a strongwind under an overhanging eave can be similar to the leverage providedby the claw end of a hammer used for pulling up nails. Similarly, astrong wind catching an insufficiently nailed edge or corner of aplywood sheet can pull the fastening nails out of the studs. To preventsuch unfastening at the joining points, other types of fastening devicesare used to add strength and resist the prying action on the nails andframe members by turning the nail's fastening direction by 90 degreesand relying upon the nails greater resistance to transverse forces.These aspects of basic framing are readily understood by those ofordinary skill in the art of framing and construction.

Another material used in frame construction is a weather resistantbarrier known as house wrap or paper by those of ordinary skill in theart. House wrap is used to cover the outside of a structure to preventthe infiltration of drafts or wind and liquid water, while allowingwater vapor to escape from the building.

In many locations throughout this country and in other places around theworld, storms and other atmospheric events subject these existing framestructures to forces that can pull off roofs and strip siding andsheathing from the supporting walls. The typical residential orcommercial building mentioned above is designed to support the downwardload of the building above it. A foundation, therefore, supports theweight of the walls, flooring, rafters and roofing resting upon it,while the walls support the stories and roofing resting upon it, and therafters or trusses support the weight of shingles and roofing materials,as well as occasional dead loads like snow. Such a typical design,however, fails to take into account the lateral or lifting forces thatcan be caused by high winds and sudden changes in atmospheric pressurethat can occur during storms such as hurricanes or tornados. Seismicevents can also create lateral forces that apply unexpected loads to abuilding's frame. The various means implemented to help secure theframing members of such structures against these forces, such as straps,clips and brackets tie the rafters or trusses of a roof to the uppermembers of the supporting walls to resist the winds that can catchoverhanging eaves and pry the roof up. Some of these fasteners are rigidmetal tie bars that extend from the roofing components to the building'sfoundation at discrete points along the length of the building asdisclosed in Gnaedinger U.S. Pat. No. 5,870,861. These prior devices,however, do not secure the entire length of a building against bothlateral and upward forces without interfering with the natural downwardforces exerted on the frame over time. The rigid bars or bracketsinterfere with the downward loading of the building's structure becausetheir rigid nature resists movement of the frame during its naturalshrinkage and settling. Cabling has also been used to separately securerafters to a foundation as disclosed in Gaddie et al. U.S. Pat. No.6,843,027, however such devices also only provide discrete fasteningpoints to separate framing components rather than a way tocomprehensively secure all the framing components uniformly over acontinuous extended length of a frame structure, and would not providelateral support.

Previous attempts involving attaching a high strength wall covering tothe top and bottom ends of a wall have placed the wall covering on theinterior side of the wall, as disclosed in the Gnaedinger patent. Insuch a position, however, the wall covering is incapable of aidingresistance to the lateral forces directed against the exterior wall,such as from high winds, since these forces tend to push the wall in thesame direction as the tensile force being exerted by the wall covering.A flexible material attached along the interior side, therefore, doesnot prevent a wall from toppling inwards.

A sheet has also been used as lateral bracing in a building structure byspanning a pair of separated vertical supports or studs and reachingfrom a foundation to upper stories, as disclosed in Findleton U.S. Pat.No. 6,256,951.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a roof fastening system that overcomesthe deficiencies of the previous devices and aids in tying a building'swalls and/or roof structure to the structure's foundation to provide acontinuous load path that resists upward and lateral forces withoutinterfering with the natural downward forces exerted on the frame overtime. It also relates to a roof fastening system that aids in tying thetrusses of a building's roof structure to the building's foundationthereby providing a continuous load path from the strongest anchoringpoint at the foundation to the portion of the structure that canexperience the greatest upward and lateral forces. The present inventionalso relates to the use of a composite material in a roof fasteningsystem that combines the properties of a house wrap with high tensilestrength low elongation fibers along one direction of the fabric andlower tensile strength higher elongation fibers along one or more fabricdirections that cross(es) the high tensile strength low elongationfibers. The system utilizes this composite fabric such that it extendsfrom the top plates or truss roofing members of a structure's framing,down to its foundation forming a fastening apparatus that allowsre-tensioning or post load re-tensioning.

In particular, the invention provides a roof fastening system to aid inproviding to a structure a continuous load path, from the foundation upto the top plates of the upper floor and the adjoining roofing. It alsorelates to a roof fastening system to aid in providing to a structure acontinuous load path from the foundation up to the heel wall of a raisedor high heel roof truss. The fastening apparatus provides a means forattaching a composite fabric with high tensile strength and with certainlow elongation properties from the top plates of a structure's framing,down to its foundation while at the same time allowing re-tensioning orpost load re-tensioning of that composite fabric. The re-tensioningprovides for taking up any slack in the system caused by loading and orlumber curing shrinkage.

The system attachment pieces in one instance are manufactured in amanner which provides one assembly with two (2) break-off members,yielding three (3) assembly pieces, and in another instance aremanufactured in a manner which provides one assemble with a break-offmember, yielding two (2) pieces. The system attachment pieces in anotherinstance are manufactured in a manner which provides individuallymanufactured pieces.

The invention relates to keeping a structure and its roof in placeduring a high wind event. It also relates to helping keep the structureon its foundation and its roof in place during a seismic event. Itutilizes the composite fabric to affix to either (1), the top plates ofthe structure's stud wall, or (2), from the heel wall of a raised orhigh heel roof truss, down to the foundation of the structure. Itutilizes an attachment system which provides the ability to re-tensionor post load re-tension the composite fabric once the roof loading is inplace. It utilizes an attachment system which provides the ability toinstall on a brick ledge for brick veneer applications with a post-loador re-tightening capability. This invention affords the benefit ofutility and economy of utilization of two products, i.e. compositefabric and its mounting bracket assemblies, and its associated labor, toaccomplish continuous load path benefits, to accomplish seismicbenefits, to provide water hold out, to provide vapor management and toprovide an air barrier. The invention also affords the benefits ofresistance to projectile penetrating forces, to overturning forces,racking forces, sliding forces, and other forces that can reducestructural integrity.

The composite fabric offers structural benefits, both providing acontinuous load path from the top plates of a structure down to itsfoundation, and providing seismic benefits, allowing a structure tobetter perform during high wind and seismic events. In addition thecomposite fabric offers structural benefits, both providing a continuousload path from the heel wall of a raised or high heel roof truss, downto the structure's foundation, thus providing seismic benefits andbetter performance during high wind and seismic events. It also providesthe benefits of house wrap providing water holdout, an air barrier, andmoisture vapor management.

The foregoing advantages and benefits are obtained by the presentinvention which in one embodiment provides a structural fasteningapparatus comprising a flexible sheeting having top and bottom edgeportions; a first holding member attached along the top edge portion ofthe flexible sheeting; a second holding member attached along the bottomedge portion of the flexible sheeting; and a retaining member that isconfigured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the secondholding member for tensioning the flexible sheeting.

In this apparatus, the flexible sheeting can be attached to the firstand second holding members by wrapping the top and bottom edge portionsof flexible sheeting around the first and second holding membersrespectively. Also, the edge portions are affixed to the holding memberswith an adhesive for a more secure bond, where the adhesive can be aglue or epoxy or an adhesive tape such as a double sided tape. Theretaining member is typically a mounting bracket that is configured anddimensioned for attachment to a building foundation, and includes aflange for engaging the second holding member portion. That mountingbracket has openings for accepting fasteners suitable for anchoring themounting bracket to a cement, block or brick foundation, and furtherwherein at least some of the openings are vertical slots that facilitatemovement of the retaining member to apply tension to the flexiblesheeting.

Preferably, the first holding member has openings for acceptingmechanical fasteners for mechanically anchoring the first holding memberto an upper portion of a building frame; the second holding member issecured to the mounting bracket flange such that the flexible sheetingprovides a continuous tensile load path between the upper portion of thebuilding frame and the building foundation, in order to direct upward orlateral forces to the building foundation.

The apparatus may further comprise fasteners having an extended lengthto provide a gap between the bottom surface of the mounting bracket andan upper surface of a building foundation to adjust the tensioning ofthe flexible sheeting by tightening or loosening the fasteners, therebyreducing or increasing the gap between the mounting bracket and theupper surface of the foundation.

In a more preferred embodiment, the first holding member is either a topmounting plate, a side mounting plate or a truss mounting plate; thesecond holding member is a batten bar; and the flexible sheeting is acomposite fabric comprising a mat layer that is vapor-permeable and oneor more reinforcing layers optionally attached to the mat layer. Thereinforcing layer may be a scrim layer comprising high-strengthlow-elongation fibers in a direction running from the first holdingmember to the second holding member, and lower strength higherelongation fibers running parallel or diagonal to the first and thesecond holding members.

Yet another embodiment of the invention relates to a frame structurehaving at least a roofing member and one or more wall members erectedupon a foundation. This structure comprises a structural fasteningapparatus according to claim 4 for providing a continuous tensile loadpath between the roofing member and the structure's foundation to directupward or lateral forces to the structure's foundation. Advantageously,the first holding member is mechanically affixed to an upper portion ofa frame building wall; the mounting bracket is mechanically anchored tothe structure's foundation; at least a portion of the second holdingmember is secured to the mounting bracket; and the flexible sheeting isattached to the first and second holding members.

In these frame structures, the flexible sheeting may be positioned onthe outside face of the frame, and is directly adjacent to and incontact with a sheathing layer of an exterior frame wall, to create acontinuous load path from the upper portion of a building wall frame tothe foundation along a length of the building wall. The frame structuremay further comprise one or more polymer batten strips or an additionalscrim layer or a plurality of scrim layers, affixed to an exterior framewall, wherein the polymer batten strips or the additional scrim layer orthe plurality of scrim layers, are affixed in a vertical directionadjacent to one or more openings framed into the exterior frame wall tocreate a reinforced continuous load path from the upper top plate orupper portion of a building wall frame to the foundation.

The frame structure can further comprise a roof fastening membermechanically affixed to and operatively connecting one or more roofingmember(s) to the building wall frame. Also, the first holding memberpreferably has openings for accepting mechanical fasteners for fasteningthe first holding member in a sideways position to a plurality of rooftrusses and blocking members, with the first securing member beingmechanically anchored to the building wall frame in a vertical positionby mechanical fasteners. The frame structure can also have the mountingbracket mechanically anchored to the building foundation by thefasteners, wherein the mounting bracket can be retensioned byretightening the fasteners; the second holding member is secured to themounting bracket flange; and the flexible sheeting connecting the firstholding member to the second holding member to thereby create acontinuous tensile load path between a top wall member of the buildingwall frame and the building foundation, and directs upward or lateralforces to the building foundation.

Another aspect of the invention is a single assembly unit of astructural fastening apparatus comprising a polymer article suitablyconfigured and dimensioned to have a cross sectional profile of a firstholding member, a second holding member, and a retaining member; a firststructurally weakened section along the length of the article positionedbetween the first holding member and the second holding member; a secondstructurally weakened section along the length of the article positionedbetween the second holding member and the foundation mounting bracket,wherein the polymer article can be separated at the structurallyweakened sections to yield separate assembly pieces.

A useful combination of the invention is a structural fasteningapparatus kit comprising the flexible sheeting and single assembly unitdescribed herein. Typically, the kit can include flexible sheeting thatis pre-cut to a predetermined length and affixed to one of the first andsecond holding members or both at the top and bottom edge portionsrespectively.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of making astructural fastening by providing a first holding member; providing asecond holding member; providing a flexible sheeting having top andbottom edge portions; and attaching the first and second holding membersto the flexible sheeting by wrapping the top and bottom edge portions offlexible sheeting around the first and second holding membersrespectively, optionally affixing the edge portions to the holdingmembers with an adhesive, where the adhesive can be an adhesive tapesuch as a double sided tape or a glue or epoxy resin. Typically, themethod further comprises providing a polymer article suitably configuredand dimensioned to have a cross-sectional profile that includes that ofthe first holding member, the second holding member, and the retainingmember; structurally weakening the section along its length in aplurality of locations including one positioned between the firstholding member and the second holding member, and another positionedbetween the second holding member and the foundation mounting bracket,such that the polymer article can be broken along the structurallyweakened sections to separate the first holding member, the secondholding member, and the retaining member; and obtaining the firstholding member, second holding member and retaining member by breakingthe structurally weakened sections to provide the first holding member,second holding member and retaining member.

In addition, the invention also provides a method of securing the framestructure to the foundation which supports it, which comprises attachingthe first holding member along a first edge of the flexible sheeting,attaching the second holding member along a second edge of the flexiblesheeting, wherein the second edge is opposite the edge attached to thefirst holding member; providing a retaining member, wherein theretaining member is suitable for anchoring to the foundation of theframe structure; providing anchoring components suitable for anchoringto a foundation of a type used in the foundation of the particularstructure; anchoring the retaining member to the foundation of thestructure with the anchoring components suitable for anchoring theretaining member to the specific foundation; securing the first holdingmember to an upper portion of a framing member of the particularstructure; and securing the second holding member to the retainingmember anchored to the foundation of the particular structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is illustrativeof the best mode contemplated by the applicants, is presented in thedrawings and detailed description that follows herein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a frame structure's wall members,sheathing and foundation with house wrap on the exterior side of thestud wall.

FIG. 2 a shows a perspective view of a first holding member asrepresented by a top mounting plate.

FIG. 2 b shows a perspective and profile view of a first holding memberas represented by a truss mounting plate.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a second holding member asrepresented by a foundation batten bar.

FIG. 4 a shows a perspective view of a retaining member as representedby a foundation mounting bracket.

FIG. 4 b shows a perspective and profile view of a retaining member asrepresented by a foundation mounting bracket with out a skirt.

FIG. 4 c shows a perspective and profile view of a retaining member asrepresented by an angle bracket.

FIG. 4 d shows a perspective and profile view of a retaining member asrepresented by a brick ledge mounting box.

FIG. 4 e shows a perspective and profile view of a retaining member asrepresented by a polymer angle bracket.

FIG. 5 a shows a flexible sheeting having a mat layer and scrim layerswith fibers running longitudinally and diagonally.

FIG. 5 b shows a flexible sheeting having a mat layer and scrim layerswith fibers running longitudinally and latitudinally.

FIG. 6 a shows a perspective view of a single extruded structuralfastening apparatus assembly unit.

FIG. 6 b shows a cross-section view of a single extruded structuralfastening apparatus assembly unit.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the inventionimplementing a top mounting plate.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the inventionimplementing a top mounting plate with additional roof fasteningmembers.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the inventionimplementing a truss mounting plate on a high heel truss roof.

FIG. 10 shows an elevation view of a frame structure implementingpolymer batten strips where there is an opening in the frame wall.

FIG. 11 a shows a perspective view of the attachment of a top mountingplate to a stud wall.

FIG. 11 b shows a perspective view of the attachment of a side mountingplate vertically to the top plates and studs.

FIG. 12 shows an elevation view of the attachment of a truss mountingplate to a frame structure having a high heel truss roof.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the attachment of an angle bracketto a foundation.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the attachment of a brick ledge boxmounting bracket to a foundation.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a polymer angle bracket attached toa foundation having a brick ledge.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view displaying a frame structure on a slabhaving a plurality of external walls supporting a roof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description, without limiting the scope of the invention,shall refer to the invention as set forth in the drawings.

The preferred embodiments shown in the drawings are an apparatus for awind resistant system and fasteners for securing a roof structure of abuilding to the means for supporting said roof structure, comprising avertically securing mechanism disposed adjacent to the means andoperatively connecting the roof structure and the means for supporting.It serves as an auxiliary fastener connecting the roof of the structureto the foundation. The mechanism for securing utilizes a flexiblesheeting that can be a composite fabric to facilitate that securing. Thecomposite fabric which combines an underlying fabric or paper which hasproperties of water hold-out, wind hold-out and the ability to allowmoisture to escape from the inside of the structure upon which it hasbeen installed with a scrim layer that provides higher tensile strengththan the fabric or paper alone. This composite fabric has an underlyingfabric or paper with the properties of house wrap. Upon this underlyingfabric is applied a network of threads comprising low elongation highstrength threads in the vertical installed direction (machinedirection), and perpendicular to the vertical threads (horizontallyinstalled) higher elongation high strength threads. Threads can also bedisposed in the diagonal mode in addition to disposal in the verticaland horizontal modes. This network of threads is attached to theunderlying fabric or paper resulting in high tensile strength propertiesmarried to the underlying fabric or paper. These high tensile strengthproperties afford the composite fabric the ability to provide acontinuous load path. These high tensile strength properties afford thecomposite fabric with resistance to penetrating forces. Together withthe attaching mechanisms, the composite fabric yields a system whichprovides benefits to a structure by means of providing a series of highstrength threads which together provide a continuous load path, and thusproviding benefits to that structure in high wind events and benefits tothat structure in seismic events. The invention as a whole is aplurality or combination of mechanisms, parts and systems that yield anoverall system which provides a structure, benefits and levels ofprotection against certain hazards which are present in high wind andseismic events. The plurality or combinations of mechanisms, parts andsystems help provide, inter alia, a structure with a continuous loadpath, resistance to uplift, resistance to penetrating forces, resistanceto overturning, resistance to racking, resistance to structure sliding,water hold-out, wind hold-out, and the ability to allow moisture toescape from the inside of the structure.

The present invention is a structural fastening apparatus that aids insecuring the roofing members and/or wall members of a frame structure tothe structure's foundation. FIG. 1 shows a standard wall 32 of a framestructure, also referred to as a stud wall, resting on a foundation 30.A slab 29 may also be used in place of a foundation, as shown in FIG.16. The stud wall 32 is made of a sill plate 21 resting on and anchoredto the foundation 30, and forming the base of the stud wall 32. The wallstuds 9 are nailed to the sill plate 21 at the bottom and the top plates11 at the top of the wall. The top plates include an upper top plate 3and a lower top plate 8. Sheathing 14 is nailed to the studs 9, topplates 11 and sill plate 21. The rafters 15 rest on and are nailed tothe top plates 11. A house wrap 13 is typically wrapped horizontallyaround the exterior stud walls 32 to prevent wind and water infiltrationwhile allowing moisture to pass through. The various embodiments of thestructural fastening apparatus are installed on such a structure toreinforce it against upward and lateral forces, and help the roof andwalls resist high winds and seismic events by providing a continuousload path from the upper portions of the structure to the foundation. Acomposite fabric of the present invention replaces the typical housewrap.

The structural fastening apparatus comprises a first holding member, asecond holding member a retaining member and a flexible sheeting. Thefirst holding member can be a top mounting plate 2 or a truss mountingplate 35, which is affixed to an upper portion of a frame structure'sexterior wall 32 or roof trusses 34. The second holding member is afoundation batten bar 5 that can be reversibly held by a flange of aretaining member, or may be a polymer batten strip. The retaining membercan be a foundation mounting bracket 6, a brick ledge box mountingbracket 43, an angle bracket 19 or a polymer angle bracket 33. Theflexible sheeting 1 is a composite fabric made of a mat layer thatprovides protection against wind and water infiltration while allowingvapor transmission, and one or more scrim layers that provides addedtensile strength in one or more directions. Each of these components andtheir operative association are described in greater detail below.

An upper portion of a frame structure is defined as either the topplate(s) 11 forming a stud wall 32, or the upper portion of a wall'svertical face, or the roof trusses 34 and blocking 39 of a high heeltruss roof, where such framing member(s) form the highest point to whicha holding member may be affixed to the exterior frame wall.

The first holding member 2, as shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, is preferablya flat plate configured and dimensioned to attach to an upper portion ofa frame structure such as stud wall top plates, an exterior wall face,or roof trusses and blocking, that securely fastens an edge of theflexible sheeting to the particular upper portion of the framestructure.

In one embodiment the first holding member is a top mounting plate, asshown in FIG. 2 a, configured and dimensioned to cover the upper topplate 3 of a stud wall 32 without extending beyond the end or edges ofthe stud wall. The top mounting plate 2 preferably has a first dimensionA of between 2 and 9 inches, more preferably between 3 and 5½ inches,and most preferably approximately 3½ inches. The top mounting platepreferably has a second dimension B of between 4 and 10 feet, morepreferably the top mounting plate has a second dimension that is between7½ and 9½ feet, where most preferably the top mounting plate has asecond dimension that is about 6 inches less than the width of theflexible material to which it is being attached. The top mounting platepreferably has a third dimension C of between about 3/32 and ⅜ of aninch, and more preferably between ⅛ and ¼ inches, and most preferablyabout ⅛ of an inch.

The top mounting plate 2 is preferably mechanically affixed to the topof a framed stud wall 32 with mechanical fasteners. In the preferredembodiment, the top mounting plate 2 is affixed to the top of a studwall 32 with nails 7 that are set vertically through the top mountingplate 2, an upper top plate 3, a lower top plate 8 and into the verticalstuds 9 of the stud wall 32, as required by local building codes. Thetop mounting plate 2 is preferably affixed using two 16-penny nails 7per stud as typically done to secure the two top plates 11 to the wallstuds 9 in the normal practice of the industry and known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

In another embodiment, the top mounting plate 2 may also be mechanicallyaffixed to the side or exterior face of a framed stud wall 32 withmechanical fasteners, where the mounting plate is parallel with the studwall top plates. In this embodiment, the mounting plate can also bereferred to as a side mounting plate 2, and has the same configurations,dimensions and construction as a top mounting plate.

The top mounting plate 2 is preferably made of a high strength polymermaterial such as ABS, PVC or other thermoplastics or engineeringplastics common in the construction industry and known to those ofordinary skill in the art. When affixed to the top of the stud wall 32,the top mounting plate 2 should be made of a material that is toughenough for nails 7 to penetrate the mounting plate without causing it tofracture or otherwise be damaged. This is particularly important whenthere are no pre-made openings in the top or side mounting plate.

In an alternate embodiment, openings 18 may be pre-made in the topmounting plate 2, where the openings are suitably spaced apart to permitfasteners to align with wall studs and pass through the mounting platewithout creating holes or possibly causing damage to the mounting plate.

In another preferred embodiment, the first holding member is a trussmounting plate 35 configured and dimensioned to attach to the rooftrusses 34 and blocking 39 along most of the length of the flexiblesheeting. The truss mounting plate 35, as shown in FIG. 2 b, preferablyhas a first dimension A of between 2 and 11 inches, more preferablybetween 3 and 9 inches, and most preferably approximately 6 inches. Thetruss mounting plate 35 preferably has a second dimension B of between 4and 10 feet, more preferably the top mounting plate has a seconddimension that is between 7½ and 9½ feet, where most preferably the topmounting plate has a second dimension that is 6 inches less than thewidth of the flexible sheeting material 1 to which it is being attached.The truss mounting plate 35 preferably has a third dimension C ofbetween about 3/32 and ⅜ of an inch, and more preferably between ⅛ and ¼inches, and most preferably about 3/16 of an inch. The truss mountingplate 35 is preferably made of a high strength polymer material such asABS, PVC, HDPE or other thermoplastics or engineering plastics common inthe construction industry and known to those of ordinary skill in theart. When affixed to the top of the stud wall 32, the truss mountingplate 35 should be made of a material that is tough enough for nails 36to penetrate the truss mounting plate without causing it to fracture orotherwise be damaged. This is particularly important when there are nopre-made openings in the top or side mounting plate.

In an alternate embodiment, openings 18 may be pre-made in the trussmounting plate 35, where the openings are suitably spaced apart topermit fasteners to align with wall studs and pass through the mountingplate without creating holes or possibly causing damage to the mountingplate.

The second holding member, as shown in FIG. 3, is preferably afoundation batten bar 5 that is configured and dimensioned to be heldsecurely by the foundation mounting bracket 6 in a flange 64. Thefoundation batten bar 5 preferably has a first dimension A of between ⅝and 1½ inches, more preferably between ¾ and 1¼ inches, and mostpreferably approximately 1 inch. The foundation batten bar 5 preferablyhas a second dimension of between 4 and 10 feet, more preferably thefoundation batten bar 5 has a second dimension B that is between 7½ and9½ feet, where most preferably the foundation batten bar 5 has a seconddimension that is 6 inches less than the width of the flexible materialto which it is being attached. The foundation batten bar preferably hasa third dimension C of between about 3/32 and ⅜ of an inch, and morepreferably between ⅛ and ¼ inches, and most preferably about ⅛ of aninch. The top mounting plate is preferably made of a high strengthpolymer material such as ABS, PVC or other thermoplastics or engineeringplastics common in the construction industry and known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

A preferred form of batten strip is one which is manufactured by theBuildex division of OMG, which is made from a polyolyfin resin.

The retaining member in a first embodiment is preferably a foundationmounting bracket 6 as shown in FIG. 4 a. The foundation mounting bracket6 is preferably configured to have a flat central portion 62, a firstedge portion bent back towards the central portion to thereby form a topflange 64 having acute angle of between 10 and 25 degrees or preferablyabout 15 degrees between the top flange 64 and the central portion 62,and a second edge portion extending approximately perpendicular to thecentral portion with a second bend approximate 90 degrees away from thecentral portion, such that the second edge portion forms a step ledge 66with a skirt 68. The top flange 64 is configured and dimensioned and thedegree of the acute angle is selected to retain the second holdingmember, when the structural fastening apparatus is correctly installed.The tension on the second holding member when properly installed holdsthe second holding member reversibly in the angle between the top flange64 and the flat central portion 62. The top flange 64 preferably has adimension of between ½ and 1¼ inches between the bend with the centralportion 62 and the front edge of the top flange 64, and more preferablybetween ⅞ and 1⅛ inches, and most preferably about 1 inch. The centralportion 62 of the foundation mounting bracket 6 is preferably betweenabout 2 and 6 inches, more preferably between 3 and 5 inches and mostpreferably 4⅛ inches from the first edge portion to the second edgeportion. The step ledge 66 preferably has a dimension of between about ⅜and 1 inches, more preferably between ⅜ and 9/16 inches, and mostpreferably about 7/16 inches. The skirt 68 of the step ledge preferablyhas a dimension of between about ½ and 1½ inches, more preferablybetween ¾ and 1¼ inches, and most preferably about 1 inch.

The second edge portion forming the step or ledge is configured anddimensioned to provide a surface for applying a downward force toincrease the tension of the flexible sheeting for the purpose ofpost-load retensioning and bolt retightening. The downward force forretightening can preferably be applied by one or more individualsstepping upon the step or ledge while the securing bolts areretightened.

The foundation mounting bracket 6 preferably has a second dimension B ofbetween 4 and 10 feet, more preferably foundation mounting bracket 6 hasa second dimension that is between 7½ and 9½ feet, where most preferablythe foundation mounting bracket 6 has a second dimension that is 6inches less than the width of the flexible material to which it is beingattached. The foundation mounting bracket 6 preferably has a thirddimension C of between about 3/32 and ⅜ of an inch, and more preferablybetween ⅛ and ¼ inches, and most preferably about ⅛ of an inch. Thefoundation mounting bracket is preferably made of a high strengthpolymer material such as ABS, PVC or other thermoplastics or engineeringplastics common in the construction industry and known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

The central portion 62 preferably has one or more openings configuredand dimensioned to allow suitable fasteners to pass through the openingsand secure the foundation mounting bracket to a foundation. The openingsare preferably round holes 26 or elongated slots 25, and more preferablya combination of both round holes 26 and elongated slots 25 suitable forallowing both repositioning of the foundation mounting bracket andretensioning of the flexible sheeting, and quasi-permanent fixing at afinal position. The slots preferably are about ¾ to 2 inches in length,and the holes are preferably about 7/16 of an inch in diameter. Thesuitable masonry fasteners used to affix the foundation mounting bracket6 to a foundation are preferably anchor 20 and/or bolts 17 known tothose of ordinary skill in the art, e.g. Tapcon® Bolts and Redi-Drive®Anchors. In a preferred embodiment, the foundation mounting bracket 6 atits central portion has eight (8) round pre-made holes 26 for theRedi-Drive® anchors and three (3) pre-made slots 25 for the Tapcon®bolts.

In an optional embodiment of the foundation mounting bracket 6, at itscentral portion has less than eight (8) pre-made holes 26 for theRedi-Drive® anchors and three (3) pre-make slots 25 for the Tapcon®bolts.

In another optional embodiment of the foundation mounting bracket 6, theskirt 68 of the step ledge may be omitted, thereby providing afoundation mounting bracket with out skirt (wos). The other dimensionsof the foundation mounting bracket would otherwise remain the same.

The retaining member in a second embodiment is preferably an anglebracket 19, as shown in FIG. 4 c. The angle bracket 19 is preferablyconfigured to have an L-shape with a first leg of the L preferablyhaving a dimension A of between about 3½ and 4½ inches from the bend tothe top edge of the angle bracket 19, and more preferably having adimension of about 4 inches. The second leg of the L preferably has adimension D of between about 2 and 3 inches from the bend to the frontedge of the angle bracket, and more preferably having a dimension ofabout 2 inches. The angle bracket 19 preferably has a second dimension Bof between about 4 and 10 feet, more preferably the angle bracket 19 hasa second dimension that is between 7½ and 9½ feet, where most preferablythe angle bracket has a second dimension that is 6 inches less than thewidth of the flexible material to which it is being attached. The anglebracket 19 preferably has a third dimension C of between about 3/32 and⅜ of an inch, and more preferably between ⅛ and ¼ inches, and mostpreferably about ⅛ of an inch. The angle bracket is preferably made of ahigh strength polymer material such as ABS, PVC or other thermoplasticsor engineering plastics common in the construction industry and known tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

The retaining member in a third embodiment is preferably a brick ledgebox mounting bracket 43, as shown in FIG. 4 d. The a brick ledge boxmounting bracket 43 is preferably configured to have a flat centralportion 432, a first edge portion angled back towards the centralportion to thereby form a top flange 434 having acute angle between theflange and the central portion, and a box tube portion 436 extendingfrom the central portion 432, wherein the central portion adjoins thebox portion along a face of the box portion at a corner such that thecentral portion and box wall are flush and the box extends away from thecentral portion on the same side as the top flange. The top flange 434is configured and dimensioned and the degree of the acute angle isselected to retain the second holding member, when the structuralfastening apparatus is correctly installed. The top flange 434preferably has a dimension of between ½ and 1¼ inches between the bendwith the central portion and the front edge of the top flange. Thecentral portion 432 of the brick ledge box mounting bracket 43 ispreferably between about 2 and 9 inches, more preferably between 3½ and6 inches and most preferably about 5 inches. The box tube portion 436 ofthe brick ledge box mounting bracket 43 is preferably between about 1inch by 1 inch square and 3 inches by 3 inches square, and morepreferably 2 inches by 2 inches square. The brick ledge box mountingbracket 43 preferably has a second dimension B of between about 4 and 10feet, more preferably the brick ledge box mounting bracket 43 has asecond dimension that is between 7½ and 9½ feet, where most preferablythe brick ledge box mounting bracket 43 has a second dimension that is 6inches less than the width of the flexible material to which it is beingattached. The brick ledge box mounting bracket 43 preferably has a thirddimension C of between about 3/32 and ½ of an inch, and more preferablybetween ⅛ and 7/16 inches, and most preferably about 5/16 of an inch.The brick ledge box mounting bracket 43 is preferably made of a highstrength polymer material such as ABS, PVC or other thermoplastics orengineering plastics common in the construction industry and known tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

The upper wall 435 of the box tube portion 436 forms a step or ledgeconfigured and dimensioned to provide a surface for applying a downwardforce to increase the tension of the flexible sheeting for the purposeof post-load retensioning and bolt retightening. The downward force forretightening can preferably be applied by one or more individualsstepping upon the upper wall 435 of the box tube portion 436 while thesecuring bolts are retightened.

Openings 433 through the upper wall 435 and lower wall 437 of the boxtube portion 436 are preferably placed about every 6 inches to allowmechanical fasteners such as bolts or anchors to pass vertically throughthe box tube portion 436 and fasten to the horizontal top face 22 of afoundation wall 30. The use of a box tube provides greater strength andrigidity than a single-walled L-shaped bracket. The mechanical fastenersmay be extended length fasteners to provide a gap between the bottomsurface of the mounting bracket and the upper surface 22 of a buildingfoundation.

The retaining member in a forth embodiment is preferably a polymer anglebracket 33, as shown in FIG. 4 e. The polymer angle bracket 33 ispreferably configured to have an L-shape with a first leg or centralportion 332 of the L 336 preferably having a dimension A of betweenabout 3½ and 4½ inches from the bend to the bottom edge of the polymerangle bracket 33, and more preferably having a dimension of about 4inches. The second leg of the L preferably has a dimension D of betweenabout 2 and 3 inches from the bend to the front edge of the polymerangle bracket, and more preferably having a dimension of about 2 inches.The top flange 334 is configured and dimensioned and the degree of theacute angle is selected to retain the second holding member, when thestructural fastening apparatus is correctly installed. The top flange 64preferably has a dimension of between ½ and 1¼ inches between the bendwith the central portion 332 and the front edge of the top flange 334,and more preferably between ⅞ and 1⅛ inches, and most preferably about 1inch. The polymer angle bracket 33 preferably has a second dimension Bof between about 4 and 10 feet, more preferably the polymer anglebracket 33 has a second dimension that is between 7½ and 9½ feet, wheremost preferably the polymer angle bracket has a second dimension that is6 inches less than the width of the flexible material to which it isbeing attached. The polymer angle bracket 33 preferably has a thirddimension C of between about 3/32 and ⅜ of an inch, and more preferablybetween ⅛ and ¼ inches, and most preferably about 3/16 of an inch. Thepolymer angle bracket 33 is preferably made of a high strength polymermaterial such as ABS, PVC or other thermoplastics or engineeringplastics common in the construction industry and known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

All straps, clips and fasteners should be polymer materials or acorrosion resistant metal.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the components of the structuralfastening apparatus are made as a single assembly unit 12 comprising anextruded polymer strip suitably configured and dimensioned to have across sectional profile of a first holding member, a second holdingmember, and a retaining member, wherein there is a first structurallyweakened section along the entire length of the extruded polymer strippositioned between the first holding member and the second holdingmember, a second structurally weakened section along the length of theextruded strip positioned between the second holding member and thefoundation mounting bracket, wherein the extruded polymer strip can beseparated at the structurally weakened sections to yield three separateassembly pieces. Preferably, the structurally weakened section is aV-notch 23 that allows the components of the structural fasteningapparatus to be detached from each other without damaging the separatecomponents.

While the preferred embodiment fabricates all the structural fasteningapparatus components as a single extruded polymer strip, a mountingbracket assembly 12, that can be separated to yield the three separateassembly pieces 2, 5 and 6; 2, 5 and 19; or 2, 5 and 33; the structuralfastening apparatus components can also be fabricate separately asindividual components.

The invention also relates to a kit comprising either a single assemblyunit of the components of the structural fastening apparatus, or theindividual piece of the components of the structural fasteningapparatus, plus the flexible sheeting to thereby provide a contractor orinstaller all the necessary parts to provide a continuous load path tosecure the walls and roof of a frame structure to a foundation in oneconvenient collection. The structural fastening apparatus kit may alsoinclude all the necessary fasteners and adhesives to attach and securethe individual pieces to their respective adjoining pieces or to theframing members of the structure as further described herein, withoutrequiring separately obtained components. In another embodiment, the kitmay be pre-assembled, wherein the flexible sheeting is pre-cut to therequired width and length and the first and/or second holding membersare pre-attached to the flexible sheeting. The first and second holdingmembers, the retaining member and flexible sheeting are then rolled upor folded into a convenient assembly for transport or shipping prior toinstallation. Polymer holding members are preferred for reducing theoverall weight of the assembly to facilitate shipping an installation.

The best mode of the invention contemplates the flexible sheeting 1being a composite fabric 50 comprising a mat layer 51 that isvapor-permeable and one or more reinforcing layers 55 attached to themat layer 51 to provide increased strength above that of the mat layeralone, as shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b. The reinforcing layer(s) arepreferably scrim layers as that term is known and used in the art offabrics. A preferred composite fabric of the type to be used in thisinvention is disclosed in Kohlman et al. U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication 2007/0281562, the disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference. The mat layer 51 can be a non-wovenmaterial made of a polymer that prevents the infiltration of wind andwater while being a vapor-permeable membrane. The moisture vaportransmission rate of the composite fabric is between about 5 and 20perms, as determined by standard means in the industry. The primarydirection of the composite fabric having the high tensile strength lowelongation fibers has a dry tensile strength of 200 lbs or greater,while the cross direction of the composite fabric having the lowertensile strength higher elongation fibers has a dry tensile strength of175 lbs or greater, as determined by standard means in the industry. Thescrim layers' high tensile strength properties also afford the compositefabric resistance to penetrating forces. The high tensile strengthfibers can resist various penetrating forces such as those considered inlarge missile impact testing as defined in standard building codes forhigh wind areas. The composite fabric also meets the required code forGrade D building paper, as determined by standard means in the industry.

The flexible sheeting preferably comes as a roll of material, where thewidth, or distance measured across the web herein referred to as thelatitudinal direction, of the flexible sheeting can be between about 4and 10 feet, and the length of flexible sheeting wound onto the roll,herein referred to as the longitudinal direction, is typically betweenabout 100 and 111 feet, however other widths and length of flexiblesheeting can be used without deviating from the spirit or intent of theinvention. More preferably, the width of the flexible sheeting 1 isbetween 8 and 9 feet. The amount of flexible sheeting removed from aroll of material is of a length capable of extending from the upperanchoring location of the structure's frame to the lower anchoringposition at the foundation wall 30, plus an additional length ofmaterial needed for affixing the flexible sheeting to the first holdingmember and the second holding member. The additional length in thislongitudinal direction needed for attaching to a mounting plate 2, 35and batten bar 5 is preferably about 20 inches. The high tensilestrength low elongation fibers 53 are aligned with the longitudinaldirection in which the flexible material is unrolled, and the lowertensile strength higher elongation fibers 57 are aligned in a directionthat is either across the width of the roll perpendicular to the highstrength fibers, as shown in FIG. 5 b, and therefore in the latitudinaldirection, or diagonally across the width of the roll at an angle to thehigh strength low elongation fibers 53 which are in the longitudinaldirection, as shown in FIG. 5 a. When the flexible sheeting 1 isunrolled in the longitudinal direction and vertically attached to aframe structure, therefore, the high tensile strength low elongationfibers 53 extend from the upper portion of the structure's frame to thefoundation, and are aligned with and provide resistance to the expectedlateral and upward forces. The lower tensile strength higher elongationfibers 57 would then be either horizontal or inclined diagonally in oneor both directions across the fabric. The nature of the scrim layers ofthe composite fabric also provides a multitude of mini-load pointsacross the length and width of the composite fabric. The closely spacedplurality of fibers or fiber bundles that form the network of strands ofthe scrim layers provide a continuous load path across the entire lengthand width of the composite fabric, and spreads any load out along thefabric rather than providing separate individual load points.

In this embodiment, a plurality of flexible sheetings 1 can be attachedto a particular exterior face of the structure, where each of theattached sheets has a predetermined dimension that is preferably between8 and 9 feet. The latitudinal dimension of the flexible sheeting may beless than the full length of the specific exterior face of thestructure's wall. When the latitudinal dimension, or width, of theflexible sheeting 1 is less than the full length of a particularexterior face, two or more pieces of flexible sheeting should be usedand each sheet should overlap the adjacent sheet(s) by approximately 6inches or as required by local building codes. The seam between suchadjacent sheets should be covered, preferably with a suitable adhesivetape. The flexible sheeting should cover the frame structure in a mannersuitable to achieve a closed and continuous membrane around thestructure to provide maximum protection against air and waterinfiltration, while providing proper moisture management. It should berecognized that the actual dimensions of a flexible sheeting 1 may begreater than the dimensions of some exterior faces of a structure, sothat one pre-dimensioned sheet may be sufficient to entirely cover aparticular exterior face of the structure while more than onepre-dimensioned sheet may be needed to completely cover other exteriorfaces of a structure without deviating from the spirit and intent of thepresent invention. In the preferred embodiment, the flexible sheetingprovides the greatest strength to resist upward and lateral forcesapplied against the structure, when the sheeting is attached to andcovers all the exterior faces of a structure.

One or more strips of the flexible sheeting can also be used to providea continuous load path from the top of a stud wall or upper portion of aframe building to the foundation, where the strip(s) may be a pluralityof separate strips or a single strip folded over one or more times. Theone or more strips can also be of the composite fabric, or a compositefabric with an additional scrim layer or a plurality of additional scrimlayers. The strips of flexible sheeting can also reinforce a layer offlexible sheeting or supplement the continuous load path. A strip has alength between four feet and 1 inch.

The first holding member, second holding member and retaining member allpreferably have the same length, while the flexible sheeting ispreferably either about 6 inches or 12 inches wider than the apparatuscomponents to allow about 6 inches of overlap with adjacent sheeting oneither or both sides.

In the preferred embodiment, the first holding member and second holdingmember are attached to the flexible sheeting with a suitable adhesive.The first holding member and second holding member should be coated withthe suitable adhesive, and one edge of the flexible sheeting is wrappedaround the first holding member and the edge opposite the first holdingmember is wrapped around the second holding member. Preferablyadditional adhesive is applied to the flexible fabric and the fabric iswrapped around a holding member three times. The flexible sheeting 1 ispreferably wrapped around the second holding member in a clockwisefashion. Wrapping the flexible sheeting clockwise around the secondholding member aids in reversibly securing the second holding member tothe retaining member. Tension on the flexible sheeting will then holdthe second holding member within the top flange of a foundation mountingbracket 64, Angle bracket or brick ledge box mounting bracket 434.

The best mode of the invention contemplates attaching a first holdingmember along one edge of the flexible sheeting where the high strengthlow elongation fibers terminate, and attaching the second holding memberalong the other edge of the flexible sheeting where the opposite ends ofthe high strength low elongation fibers terminate. Preferably, these arethe top edge and bottom edge portions of the flexible sheeting, wherethe first holding member is attached along the top edge portion and thesecond holding member is attached along the bottom edge portion wherethe high strength low elongation fibers terminate. In this manner, thedirection of the high strength low elongation fibers coincides with thedirection from the first holding member to the second holding member,and therefore aligns the high strength low elongation fibers with thecontinuous load path when the first and second holding members areattached to the upper portion of an exterior wall of the frame structureand the building foundation respectively.

The implementation of the invention involves attaching the flexiblesheeting along one edge to a first holding member and attaching theopposite edge of the flexible sheeting to a second holding member;mechanically affixing a first holding member to an upper portion of astud wall 32 of a frame structure; mechanically affixing a retainingmember to the structure's foundation; and securing the second holdingmember to the retaining member to provide a continuous load path fromthe upper portion of the frame structure to the foundation to resistupward and lateral forces.

In an alternate embodiment, the first holding member is mechanicallyaffixed to an upper portion of a structure's wall and the second holdingmember is mechanically affixed directly to a lower portion of thestructure's wall or to the foundation without the use of a retainingmember affixed to the foundation to secure the second holding member.The second holding member would then be mechanically affixed to the wallor foundation after the framing and roofing is completed to avoid theneed for post-load retensioning. This embodiment cannot be retensioned.

In this embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, each of the sheetsof composite fabric 1 having been affixed to the top of the stud wall 32is affixed or secured at its bottom end to the foundation 30 or slab 29by gluing and wrapping said composite fabric 1 around a polymer battenstrip 31 or other suitable batten strip or by use of the top mountingplates 2 which polymer batten strip 31 or top mounting plate 2 containsa plurality of holes disposed at a spaced distance along the length ofsaid apparatus. Once the adhesive is applied to the apparatus, thecomposite fabric 1 is wrapped around the batten strip or top mountingplate, and then is pulled downward to cause the composite fabric 1 tobecome taut along its length. The polymer batten strip 31 or topmounting plate 2 is mechanically affixed to the top surface 22 of thefoundation 30 or slab 29 by bolts 17 or other suitable fasteners withflanges or washers perpendicular to the face of the composite fabric 1,and through the plurality of holes in polymer batten strip 31 or topmounting plate 2 along its face.

The preferred embodiments of the invention relates to the means andsystems to keep a structure and its roof in place during a high windevent. It also relates to helping keep the structure on its foundation30 and its roof in place during a seismic event. It relates to providinga continuous load path transferring the uplift load from the roofstructure down to the foundation 30. It utilizes the composite fabric 1to affix from a raised or high heel roof truss and to its blocking andsheathing 34, down to the foundation 30 of the structure. It utilizes anattachment system which provides the ability to re-tension or post loadre-tension the composite fabric 1 once the roof loading is in place. Italso utilizes an attachment system which provides the ability to installon a brick ledge 22 for brick veneer applications with a post-load orre-tightening capability. This system provides a continuous load pathwhich transfers the vertical or upward loads down to the structure'sfoundation 30. It does so by utilization of a Composite Fabric 1 and ahigh heel truss mounting plate 35, and either its angle bracket 19, orits polymer angle bracket 33, or its mounting bracket assemblies 12, orthe individual parts which constitute the mounting bracket assemblies12, or its foundation mounting bracket 6, its foundation batten bar 5,or its top mounting plate 2, or its foundation mounting bracket wos 37.This affords the structure of the benefit of utility and economy ofutilization of composite fabric 1 and its attachment parts, and itsassociated labor, to accomplish continuous load path benefits, toaccomplish seismic benefits, to provide resistance to overturning, toprovide resistance to racking, to provide resistance to structuresliding, to provide water hold out, to provide vapor management and toprovide an air barrier.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a first holding member, the topmounting plate 2, is attached to a flexible sheeting 1, and ismechanically affixed to the top plates 11 and studs 9 of a stud wall 32.The flexible sheeting extends from first holding member affixed to theupper portion of the stud wall 32 vertically to the lower portion of thestud wall comprising the foundation 30 on the exterior side of the studwall adjacent to the sheathing 14. A second holding member, foundationbatten bar 5, is attached to the lower end of the flexible sheeting andis secured to the retaining member, the foundation mounting bracket 6.

If the roofing members 15 were previously attached to the top plates 11to prevent access to the length of the top plates, the first holdingmember should be mechanically affixed to the vertical face of the wall.The first holding member would be mechanically affixed to the edges ofthe top plates 11, the wall studs 9 and the sheathing 14, as required bybuilding codes and sound engineering practice.

The best mode of the invention contemplates placement of the flexiblesheeting, which can be a composite fabric, on the outside face of astructure's wall framing members and sheathing for resisting movement ofthe wall in the direction that exerts tensile stresses in thefilm/fabric and would otherwise stretch the film/fabric, i.e. inwards,due to the film's/fabric's low elongation and high tensile strengthproperties in the load direction from the foundation to the upperframing members of a wall or roof trusses 34.

Seismic events also can cause a frame structure to move laterally andpossibly become displaced from the foundation wall. Placement of theflexible sheeting/composite fabric on the outside of the structure'swall framing members and sheathing with the high tensile strength lowelongation fibers in the vertical direction from the foundation to theupper portion of the frame structure such as a stud wall, or rooftrusses 34 and blocking 39, aids in preventing such lateral motion anddisplacement by anchoring the structure's frame in a specific positionand restricting the amount of movement the frame may undergo from thespecific position due to lateral forces.

In another embodiment, one or more polymer batten strips 31, or anadditional scrim layer or a plurality of scrim layers, may also beaffixed on either side of openings in a frame structure to reinforce theflexible sheeting 1 and augment the continuous load path where such anopening prevents the flexible sheeting from extending continuously fromfoundation 30 to the upper portion of the frame structure along anexterior frame wall and interrupts the load path from the foundation tothe upper portion of a frame structure. The polymer batten strip 31, oradditional scrim layer or a plurality of scrim layers, is preferablyoperatively connected to a roof structure and a foundation on theexterior of a stud wall on either side of an opening that interrupts theflexible sheeting and load path, such as window or door openings. Thepolymer batten strip 31, or additional scrim layer or a plurality ofscrim layers, also secures and reinforces the flexible fabric 1 at suchopenings.

A polymer batten strip is preferable ½ to 2 inches in width, and morepreferably about ¾-1 inches in width.

The additional scrim layer(s) may be separate scrim layers or a singlescrim layer folded over one or more times to provide a plurality ofscrim layers. The additional scrim layers or additional flexible sheetlayers reinforce the initial flexible sheeting at the one or moreopenings framed into the frame wall to create a reinforced load pathfrom the upper top plate or upper portion of the frame wall to thefoundation.

An example of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG.7, has a sheet of composite fabric 1 wrapped around and adhered to a topmounting plate 2, with an adhesive that is applied to the top mountingplate 2 and a portion of the edge of the composite fabric 1 sufficientto wrap the composite fabric around the top mounting bracket three (3)times, so that the composite fabric is securely attached to the topmounting plate 2. The wrapped top mounting plate is then mechanicallyaffixed with suitable nails 7 to the top plates 11 of the stud wall 32.The top mounting plate 2 and composite fabric 1 are specifically affixedto the upper top plate 3, the lower top plate 8 and each of the studs 9comprising the stud wall 32 by two (2) 16 penny nails 7 per stud 9, orfasteners of a size and makeup as is required by building code or is thepractice within the building community, while still consistent with therequired engineering aspects.

The edge of the composite fabric 1 opposite the top mounting plate 2 iswrapped around a foundation batten bar 5 three (3) times clockwise andattached using an adhesive in the same manner as described for the topmounting bracket. The wrapped batten bar 5 is then inserted into theangle of the top flange 64 of the foundation mounting bracket 6 toreversibly secure the foundation batten bar to the foundation mountingbracket 6. The tension on the composite fabric 1 and foundation battenbar 5 causes the batten bar to be held in the angle of the top flange 64and the central portion 62 of the foundation mounting bracket 6. Thefoundation mounting bracket 6 has slots 25 and holes 26, and is affixedwith suitable bolts 17 and anchors 20 having flanges or washers, asknown to those of ordinary skill in the art, set through the slots 25and holes 26 into the exterior side of the foundation wall 30. The boltsmay be for example Maxi-Set Tapcon® bolts, and the anchors may be forexample Redi-Drive® Anchors.

The foundation mounting bracket 6 is initially affixed to the foundationwall 30 by use of three Tapcon Maxi-Set® concrete anchor bolts 17, orother suitable bolts with flanges or washers perpendicular to the faceof the composite fabric 1 and through the plurality of holes 26 andslots 25 in the foundation mounting bracket 6 along its vertical face.The preferred bolt being the Tapcon Maxi-Set® bolt 17 manufactured byIllinois Tool Works. Once the roof loading has been achieved then thefoundation mounting bracket 6 is re-tightened by loosening the bolts 17and stepping on the foundation mounting bracket step ledge 66 to take-upany slack in the composite fabric 1, and then pulled downward to maketaut. Once taut the bolts 17 are re-tightened. Once the foundationmounting bracket 6 has been post-load tensioned, permanent anchor 20 areinstalled horizontally in the plurality of holes provided (disposed 12″across the Foundation Mounting Bracket 6) to permanently attach theFoundation Mounting Bracket 6 to the exterior face of the foundationwall 30. The preferred anchor 20 being the Redi-Drive® Masonry Anchor(finished head) manufactured by ITW Red Head.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, in which the first holding member isa top mounting plate 2 that is mechanically affixed to the upper topplate 3 of a frame wall and forms a continuous load path to thefoundation, the framing members forming the roof are preferablyoperatively connected to the framing members forming the wall with rooffastening members 16 such as straps, clips or brackets. In particular,the straps, clips or brackets are mechanically affixed to the rafters ortrusses of a roof 15 and the top plates 11 of the frame wall 32 withmechanical fasteners to thereby operatively connect the rafters ortrusses with the stud wall 32 and form a continuous load path betweenthe roof and wall of the frame structure. FIG. 8 shows the rooffastening members, such as straps, clips or brackets, securing theroofing members to the frame wall members to provide a continuous loadpath from the roof members through the roof fastening members to theframe wall members, and from the frame wall members through the flexiblesheeting to the retaining member and thereby to the foundation. Thefirst holding member, second holding member, flexible sheeting andretaining member provide the continuous load path from the upper portionof the wall to the foundation. The combination of the roof fasteningmember connection and the flexible sheeting connection forms acontinuous load path from the roofing members to the foundation that canresist the upward or lateral forces on the frame structure. Thisembodiment provides a continuous load path to resist upward and lateralforces on the roofing members, when a first holding member cannot beaffixed directly to the roofing members.

In another example of a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, thecomposite fabric 1 is wrapped around and attached to the truss mountingplate 35, with a suitable adhesive that is applied to the truss mountingplate 35 and a portion of the edge of the composite fabric 1 sufficientto wrap the composite fabric around the truss mounting plate 35 three(3) times, so that the composite fabric is securely attached to thetruss mounting plate 35. The wrapped truss mounting plate 35 is thenaffixed mechanically to the sidewall of a raised or high heel roof truss34 and to its blocking 39 and sheathing 14 with nails. The compositefabric 1 is then extended downwardly on the exterior side of thesheathing to the upper portion of the foundation wall 30. The compositefabric 1 at its bottom end is shown wrapped around the foundation battenbar 5 and inserted into the foundation mounting bracket 6 which isaffixed by means of bolts 17 and anchors 20 to the exterior side of thefoundation wall 30.

The edge of the composite fabric 1 opposite the truss mounting plate 35is wrapped around a foundation batten bar 5 three (3) times clockwiseand attached using an adhesive in the same manner as described for thetruss mounting plate 35. The wrapped batten bar 5 is then inserted intothe angle of the top flange 64 of the foundation mounting bracket 6 toreversibly secure the foundation batten bar to the foundation mountingbracket 6. The tension on the composite fabric 1 and foundation battenbar 5 causes the batten bar to be held in the angle of the top flange 64and the central portion 62 of the foundation mounting bracket 6. Thefoundation mounting bracket 6 has slots 25 and holes 26, and is affixedwith suitable bolts 17 and anchors 20 having flanges or washers, asknown to those of ordinary skill in the art, set through the slots 25and holes 26 horizontally into the exterior side of the foundation wall30. The bolts may be for example Maxi-Set Tapcon® bolts, and the anchorsmay be for example ®-Drive Anchors.

The foundation mounting bracket 6 is initially affixed to the foundationwall 30 by use of three Maxi-Set Tapcon® concrete anchor bolts 17, orother suitable bolts with flanges or washers perpendicular to the faceof the composite fabric 1 and through the plurality of holes 26 andslots 25 in the foundation mounting bracket 6 along its vertical face.The preferred bolt being the Tapcon Maxi-Set® bolt 17 manufactured byIllinois Tool Works. Once the roof loading has been achieved then thefoundation mounting bracket 6 is re-tightened by loosening the bolts 17and stepping on the foundation mounting bracket step ledge 66 to take-upany slack in the composite fabric 1, and then pulled downward to maketaut. Once taut the bolts 17 are re-tightened. Once the foundationmounting bracket 6 has been post-load tensioned, permanent anchors 20are installed horizontally in the plurality of holes provided (disposed12″ across the Foundation Mounting Bracket 6) to permanently attach theFoundation Mounting Bracket 6 to the exterior face of the foundationwall 30. The preferred anchor 20 being the Redi-Drive® Masonry Anchor(finished head) manufactured by ITW Red Head.

The same implementation can be used when the roofing members 15 havebeen attached to the top plates 11. In such an instance, the trussmounting plate would be mechanically affixed at the upper portion of theframe wall to the edges of the top plates 11 and the wall studs 9. Thecomposite fabric 1 is then extended downwardly on the exterior side ofthe sheathing 14 to the foundation wall 30. The composite fabric 1 atits bottom end is shown wrapped around the foundation batten bar 5 andinserted into the foundation mounting bracket 6 which is affixed bymeans of bolts 17 and anchors 20 to the exterior side of the foundationwall 30. The combination of the roof fastening member connection and theflexible sheeting connection forms a continuous load path from theroofing members to the foundation that can resist the upward or lateralforces on the frame structure. This embodiment provides a continuousload path to resist upward and lateral forces on the roofing members,when a first holding member cannot be affixed directly to the roofingmembers.

This represents a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of a windresistant fastener of the present invention showing the disposition ofthe composite fabric 1 adjacent to the frame wall supporting the roofstructure. It shows the composite fabric 1 disposed vertically along thesurface of the exterior wall section of the building, said compositefabric extending upward and being secured at the top of the means forsecuring by virtue of being wrapped around and glued to the high heeltruss mounting plate 35 which is affixed mechanically by the use ofnails 36 to the sidewall of a raised or high heel roof truss and to itsblocking and sheathing. The HurriQuake® Sheathing Nail is the preferrednail to be used, and it is manufactured by Stanley Bostitch.

The preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 10, can be implemented when thereis an opening 40 in a frame wall, such as a window or door. A polymerbatten strip 31 can be mechanically affixed vertically to a framingmember, such as a jack stud or trimmer 42 placed on either side of theframe opening 40. The polymer batten strip reinforces the flexiblesheeting 1 and augments the continuous load path around the window ordoor opening. The polymer batten strip 31 operatively connects theroofing members, frame wall members and foundation. At its top end thePolymer Batten Strip 31 is attached to the rafters 15 or to the sidewallof a raised or high heel roof truss 34 and its blocking 39 and sheathing14. The mechanism for mechanically affixing the Polymer Batten Strip 31to the rafters 15 is wood screws with flat heads and washers disposedthrough the web of the Polymer Batten Strip 31 and into the rafter. Themechanism for mechanically affixing the Polymer Batten Strip 31 to thesidewall of a raised or high heel roof truss 34 and its blocking 39 andsheathing 14 is wood screws with flat heads and washers disposed throughthe web of the Polymer Batten Strip 31 and the sidewall of a raised orhigh heel roof truss 34 and its blocking 39 and sheathing 14. Thepolymer batten strip 31 can also be affixed to the top plates 11 of theframe wall 32. The lower end of the Polymer Batten Strip 31 is thenextended for attachment to the foundation wall 30. The Polymer BattenStrip 31 is mechanically fastened to the foundation 30 by means of bolts17 and anchors 20 to the exterior side of the foundation wall. TheTapcon Maxi-Set® concrete anchor bolts, or other suitable bolts withflanges or washers perpendicular to the face of the Polymer Batten Strip31 and through the plurality of holes in the web of the Polymer BattenStrip 31 utilizing at least 3 bolts along the horizontal face of thefoundation wall 30. The preferred bolt being the Tapcon Maxi-Set® boltmanufactured by Illinois Tool Works.

The polymer batten strip is preferably ½-2 inches in width, or morepreferably between about ¾-1 inch in width. The thickness of the polymerbatten strip is preferable between 3/32- 1/32 inches, and morepreferably between about 1/16 and 3/64 inches. The polymer batten striptypically comes as a coil 250 feet in length. A preferred form of battenstrip is one which is manufactured by the Buildex division of OMG, whichis made from a polyolefin resin. Said Polymer Batten Strip 31 is anelongated flat thin strap 0.050 inches thick with a width of one inch.The Buildex Polymer Batten Strip 31 is prepackaged in 250 foot coils andhas been used extensively to secure roofing material. The BuildexPolymer Batten Strip 31 manufactured by Buildex has a melting point ofapproximately 300 degrees which is suitable for use as set forth in thisapplication, has excellent UV resistance and having it covered by theComposite Fabric 1 where said Composite Fabric is glued to and wrappedaround the Polymer Batten Strip 31 makes it suitable to the long termapplication.

FIG. 11 a shows how the top mounting plate 2 with attached flexiblesheeting 1 is specifically affixed to the upper portion of a stud wallby driving two (2) 16 penny nails 7 through the upper top plate 3 andlower top plate 8 into each of the wall studs 9. The nails 7 can bedriven directly through the material of the top mounting plate 2, orthrough optional holes 18 spaced along the top mounting plate to so asto coincide with the spacing of the wall studs 9.

FIG. 11 b shows the top mounting plate 2, also referred to as a sidemounting plate in this embodiment, mechanically affixed vertically tothe top portion of a framed stud wall 32 with mechanical fasteners. Thetop mounting plate 2 is affixed vertically and on the exterior face ofthe stud wall with nails 7 that are set through horizontally the topmounting plate into the upper top plate 3, and nails 7 that are setthrough horizontally the top mounting plate into the lower top plate 8,and nails 7 that are set through horizontally the top mounting plateinto the vertical studs 9 of the stud wall 32 at the intersection of thevertical studs 9 with the lower top plate 8. The top mounting plate 2 isaffixed using five (5) nails 7 at every intersection of the top plates11 with the vertical studs 9 of the stud wall 32.

FIG. 12 shows the means for securing disposed vertically on the surfaceof the exterior wall section, said means extending downward and beingsecured at the bottom of the means for securing by virtue of beingwrapped around the Foundation Batten Bar 5 and inserted into theFoundation Mounting Bracket 6 which Foundation Mounting Bracket 6together with the inserted Foundation Batten Bar 5 is mechanicallyfastened to the means for supporting the wall section, i.e., thefoundation 30. The Composite Fabric 1 at its bottom end is shown wrappedaround the Foundation Batten Bar and inserted into the FoundationMounting Bracket 6 which is affixed by means of bolts and anchors to theexterior side of the foundation wall. This represents a preferredembodiment of the apparatus of a wind resistant fastener of the presetinvention showing the disposition of the Composite Fabric 1 adjacent tothe means for supporting the roof structure. It shows the means forsecuring disposed vertically on the surface of the exterior wall sectionof the building, said means extending upward and being secured at thetop of the means for securing by virtue of being wrapped around, gluedand fastened to a High Heel Truss Mounting Plate 35 which is affixedmechanically by the use of nails to the to the sidewall of a raised orhigh heel truss and its blocking and sheathing. It shows the means forsecuring disposed vertically on the surface of the exterior wallsection, said means extending downward and being secured at the bottomof the means for securing by virtue of being wrapped around theFoundation Batten Bar and inserted into the Foundation Mounting Bracketwhich is mechanically fastened by bolts and anchors to the means forsupporting the wall section, i.e., the foundation.

The embodiment in FIG. 13 shows the installation of the composite fabric1 on a foundation 30 with a brick ledge for a brick veneer applications.The detail shows the top face 22 of the foundation wall 30, the bottomsection of a stud wall 32 including the sill plate 21, vertical studs 9,sheathing 14 and the composite fabric 1. An angle bracket 19 is affixedto the top 22 of the foundation wall 30 by use of bolts 20 insertedvertically downward across the top 22 of the foundation wall. It alsoshows the composite fabric 1 having been wrapped around a polymer battenstrip 31 and then being affixed to the vertical side of the anglebracket 19 by use of bolts spaced six (6) inches apart. Saidhorizontally disposed bolts 38 are installed through the Polymer BattenStrip and into the vertical face of the angle bracket 19. The holes 26of the vertically displayed face of the angle bracket 19 are staggeredwith the holes which are horizontally arrayed for the bolts affixing theangle bracket to the foundation, so as not to interfere with each other.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 14 is a brick ledge box mounting bracket 43mechanically affixed to the top face 22 of a foundation wall 30 with abrick ledge for brick veneer applications with mechanical fasteners,such as bolts 20, where the bolts pass through the upper wall 435 andlower wall 437 of the box tube portion 436 of the a brick ledge boxmounting bracket 43. The mechanical fasteners have an extended lengthwhich allows the brick ledge box mounting bracket to float above the topface 22 of the foundation 30, rather than sitting flush on the top face22. The use of extended length mechanical fasteners provides a range oftravel of the brick ledge box mounting bracket 43 sufficient to allowthe fasteners to be retightened as required prior to the installation ofthe brick veneer coursing.

The edge of the composite fabric 1 is wrapped around a foundation battenbar 5 three (3) times clockwise and attached using an adhesive. Thewrapped batten bar 5 is then inserted into the angle of the top flange434 of the brick ledge box mounting bracket 43 to reversibly secure thefoundation batten bar 5 to the brick ledge box mounting bracket 43. Thetension on the composite fabric 1 and foundation batten bar 5 causes thebatten bar to be held in the angle of the top flange 434 and the centralportion 432 of the brick ledge box mounting bracket 43.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 15 is a polymer angle bracket 33mechanically affixed to the top face 22 of a foundation wall 30 with abrick ledge for brick veneer applications with mechanical fasteners,such as bolts 20. The mechanical fasteners have an extended length whichallows the brick ledge box mounting bracket to float above the top face22 of the foundation 30, rather than sitting flush on the top face 22.The use of extended length mechanical fasteners provides a range oftravel of the polymer angle bracket 33 sufficient to allow the fastenersto be retightened as required prior to the installation of the brickveneer coursing.

An example of another one of the preferred embodiments of the apparatusof the invention where the installation of the Composite Fabric 1 is tobe installed on a foundation 30 with a brick ledge 22 for a brick veneerapplication is shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, where an angle bracket 19 whichis 2″×4″×¼″ is affixed to the top horizontal portion of the foundationwall 30 adjacent to the vertical stud wall 32 by use of bolts, thepreferred embodiment is the Trubolt® Wedge Anchors 20 manufactured byITW Red Head, spaced six (6) inches apart and installed downward acrossthe top of said foundation wall 30. Said angle bracket 19 shall have aplurality of holes spaced six (6) inches apart on each of its planes.Said holes shall be staggered so as to provide the holes of one planeare each approximately three (3) inches apart from alignment with theother plane. Said angle bracket 19 shall be affixed to the foundation 30by use of Trubolt® Wedge Anchors 20 which shall extend up from thefoundation a minimum of three (3) inches. Said angle bracket 19 shallhave its bolts partially tightened leaving at least two (2) inches forpost load adjustment and re-tightening. The spacing of the holes on theangle bracket 19 shall be staggered (see FIG. 4) so that the holes onthe horizontal plane align three (3) inches from the holes on thevertical plane. Before the angle bracket 19 is affixed to the tophorizontal portion of the foundation wall 30, The composite fabric 1 iswrapped around and glued to the either the polymer batten strip 31 orthe top mounting plate 2, and then the polymer batten strip 31 or topmounting plate 2, as the case may be, is pulled downward to become tautand then is affixed to the vertical side of the aforementioned anglebracket 19 by use of bolts 17 which shall be every 6″ across its length.The top end of this embodiment shall be installed as shown in FIG. 7, 8,9, 11 a, 11 b or 12 and as described in the corresponding paragraphsabove. The dimensions of the angle bracket 19 design may be adjusted ormay be modified consistent with engineering design practice andoptimized design consideration, all to yield mechanisms which meet themeans and standards used and preferred in the construction andengineering communities.

In another example of the preferred embodiments of the apparatus of theinvention where the installation of the Composite Fabric 1 is to beinstalled on a foundation 30 with a brick ledge 22 for a brick veneerapplication, see FIG. 15, a Polymer Angle Bracket 33, which is 2½″×5″×¼″is affixed to the top horizontal portion of the foundation wall 30adjacent to the vertical stud wall 32 by use of Trubolt® Wedge Anchors20 or other suitable bolts, spaced six (6) inches apart and installeddownward across the top of said foundation wall 30. A sheet of CompositeFabric 1 once having been affixed to the top of the stud wall 32 bymeans of a method set forth in the embodiments listed in thisapplication is then affixed or secured at its bottom end to thefoundation 30 by wrapping around the Foundation Batten Bar 5 which hasadhesive applied. The Foundation Batten Bar 5, around which has beenwrapped the Composite Fabric 1, is then inserted into the top flange ofthe polymer angle bracket 33, which is then affixed by means of Trubolt®Wedge Anchors 20 or other suitable bolts, downward into the top of thefoundation wall. Said vertically disposed bolts or anchors aredownwardly installed under the Polymer Angle Bracket and into the top ofthe foundation six (6) inches apart. The polymer angle bracket is notflush down to the top of the foundation. The bolts are extended lengthto allow the polymer angle bracket to permanently float above the top ofthe foundation, and shall extend up from the foundation a minimum ofthree (3) inches to account for post load retightening. Said bolts 17are initially tightened until the composite fabric 1 is taut. Once apermanent installation is required, said bolts are retightened to takeup any slack and render the composite fabric 1 taut. After the finalretightening the polymer angle bracket 33 may be flush with the top ofthe foundation, as shown in FIG. 13, or the polymer angle bracket 33 maypermanently float above the top of the foundation, as shown in FIG. 15.The top end of this embodiment shall be installed as shown in FIG. 7, 8,9, 11 a, 11 b or 12, and as described in the corresponding paragraphs.The dimensions of the polymer angle bracket 33 design may be adjusted ormay be modified consistent with engineering design practice andoptimized design consideration, all to yield mechanisms which meet themeans and standards used and preferred in the construction andengineering communities.

In another example of a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 10, asupplemental mechanism, the Polymer Batten Strip 31 is utilized toaugment the continuous load path around the window opening. The PolymerBatten Strip 31 constitutes a vertically securing mechanism disposedadjacent to the means and operatively connecting the roof structure andthe means for supporting, the foundation 30. It serves as an auxiliaryfastener connecting the roof of the structure to the foundation. ThePolymer Batten Strip 31 is located adjacent to and on the exterior sideof the jack studs or trimmers 42 of the window framing, see FIG. 10. Atits top end the Polymer Batten Strip 31 is attached to the rafters 15 orto the sidewall of a raised or high heel roof truss 34 and its blocking39 and sheathing 14. The mechanism for mechanically affixing the PolymerBatten Strip 31 to the rafters 15 is wood screws with flat heads andwashers disposed through the web of the Polymer Batten Strip 31 and intothe rafter. The mechanism for mechanically affixing the Polymer BattenStrip 31 to the sidewall of a raised or high heel roof truss 34 and itsblocking 39 and sheathing 14 is wood screws with flat heads and washersdisposed through the web of the Polymer Batten Strip 31 and the sidewallof a raised or high heel roof truss 34 and its blocking 39 and sheathing14. The lower end of the Polymer Batten Strip 31 is extended forattachment to the foundation wall 30. The Polymer Batten Strip 31 ismechanically fastened to the means for supporting the wall section,i.e., the foundation 30 by means of bolts and anchors to the exteriorside of the foundation wall. The Tapcon Maxi-Set® concrete anchor bolts17, or other suitable bolts with flanges or washers perpendicular to theface of the Polymer Batten Strip 31 and through the plurality of holesin the web of the Polymer Batten Strip 31 utilizing at least 3 boltsalong the horizontal face of the foundation wall 30. The preferred boltbeing the Tapcon Maxi-Set® bolt 17 manufactured by Illinois Tool Works.This represents a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of a windresistant fastener of the present invention showing the disposition ofthe Polymer Batten Strip 31 adjacent to the means for supporting theroof structure. It shows the means for securing disposed vertically onthe surface of the exterior wall section of the building adjacent to andon the exterior side of the jack studs or trimmers 42 of the windowframing. This embodiment applies to openings for windows or otheropenings like door openings where engineering and construction means andmethods require supplementing the load path capacity as a result of theopening in relation to the wall length.

In another embodiment the top or side mounting plate 2 is mechanicallyaffixed vertically, as shown in FIG. 11 b, to the top of a framed studwall 32 with mechanical fasteners. In this embodiment, the top or sidemounting plate 2 is affixed vertically and on the exterior face of thestud wall with nails 7 that are set through horizontally the mountingplate into the upper top plate 3, and nails 7 that are set throughhorizontally the mounting plate into the lower top plate 8, and nails 7that are set through horizontally the mounting plate into the verticalstuds 9 of the stud wall 32 at the intersection of the vertical studs 9with the lower top plate 8. The preferred dimensions of the top or sidemounting plate deployed vertically has, as shown in FIG. 2 a, a firstdimension A preferably approximately six (6) inches, a second dimensionB of preferably six (6) inches less than the width of the flexiblematerial to which it is being attached, and has a third dimension Cpreferably about three-sixteenths ( 3/16) of an inch. The top or sidemounting plate 2 is preferably affixed using five (5) nails 7 at everyintersection of the top plates 11 with the vertical studs 9 of the studwall 32. The HurriQuake® Sheathing Nail is the preferred nail to beused, and it is manufactured by Stanley Bostitch of East Greenwich, R.I.

In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus the mechanism for securingutilizes a Mounting Bracket Assembly 12 or an alternative Angle Bracket19, or an alternate Polymer Angle Bracket 33, or a Foundation MountingBracket (with out skirt, “wos”), or a brick ledge box mounting bracket43 to provide a mechanism to affix the Composite Fabric 1 to thestructure's foundation 30. The building may have a foundation 30 or slab29 at its base and essentially vertical walls 28 on its exterior restingon or supported by said foundation 30 or slab 29. The means for securingis preferably vertical and disposed on the surface of the exteriorwalls, but inside of the structure's final cladding, or in the case of abrick veneer application the means for securing is vertical and disposedon the surface of the exterior was but inside of the brick veneer.

The adhesive to be used to affix the composite fabric 1 to the top orside mounting plate 2, the foundation batten bar 5, and the trussmounting plate 35, shall be consistent with the material used tofabricate the top mounting plate 2, the foundation batten bar 5, and thetruss mounting plate 35, and any other materials found in the compositefabric 1. The adhesive used shall also be consistent with the materialsused to fabricate the composite fabric 1. A preferred embodiment for theadhesive is Liquid Nails® Polyurethane Construction Adhesive (low VOC)(LN-950) which is manufactured by AKZO NOBEL of 15885 West Sprague Road,Strongsville, Ohio 44136. In addition to adhesive, high strength doublesided tapes may be used in connection with affixing the composite fabric1 to the top or side mounting plate 2, the foundation batten bar 5, andthe truss mounting plate 35. Said high strength double sided tapes shallhave the properties and strength qualities consistent with the qualitiesof the adhesives called for in this application.

One embodiment of the apparatus involves combining any or all of theembodiments claimed herein to provide systems or apparatus which providea continuous load path from a structure's foundation 30 to the roofsystem by attachment to the sidewall of a raised or high heel roof truss34 and to its blocking and sheathing.

Any and all permutations or combinations of the listed embodimentsclaimed herein are also asserted as embodiments. Each and every of saidpermutations and combinations is separately deemed to be an embodimentherein in its own right, and Engineering appropriate to the structure,the governing code, the local building community, and addressingpotential high wind or seismic conditions will govern the use anddeployment of the said embodiments and establish separate embodimentsherein each and everyone as its own embodiment. Modifications will beobvious to those skilled in the art, and all modifications that do notdepart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the embodiments of the invention. Specifically, anytop end of the wall section fastening system set forth herein can becombined with any bottom end of wall section fastening system set forthherein without deviating from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

While this invention has been described in connection with the best modepresently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out his invention,the preferred embodiments described and shown are for purposes ofillustration only, and are not to be construed as constituting anylimitations of the invention. Modifications will be obvious to thoseskilled in the art, and all modifications that do not depart from thespirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope ofthe appended claims.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofmay be better understood, and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, features of theinvention that are described herein. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based, mayreadily by utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures,methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of thepresent invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A structural fastening apparatus comprising: aflexible sheeting having top and bottom edge portions; a first holdingmember attached along the top edge portion of the flexible sheeting; asecond holding member attached along the bottom edge portion of theflexible sheeting; and a mounting bracket that is configured anddimensioned for attachment to a building foundation, comprising a flangefor engaging the second holding member portion that is configured anddimensioned to receive at least a portion of the second holding member,wherein the mounting bracket has openings for accepting fastenerssuitable for anchoring the mounting bracket to a cement, block or brickfoundation, and further wherein at least some of the openings arevertical slots that facilitate movement of the retaining member to applytension to the flexible sheeting.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:the first holding member has openings for accepting mechanical fastenersfor mechanically anchoring the first holding member to an upper portionof a building frame; the second holding member is secured to themounting bracket flange such that the flexible sheeting provides acontinuous tensile load path between the upper portion of the buildingframe and the building foundation, in order to direct upward or lateralforces to the building foundation.
 3. A structural fastening apparatuscomprising: a flexible sheeting having top and bottom edge portions; afirst holding member attached along the top edge portion of the highstrength, flexible sheeting; a second holding member attached along thebottom edge portion of the high strength, flexible sheeting; a retainingmember that is configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portionof the second holding member for tensioning the high strength, flexiblesheeting; and fasteners having an extended length to provide a gapbetween the bottom surface of the mounting bracket and an upper surfaceof a building foundation to adjust the tensioning of the flexiblesheeting by tightening or loosening the fasteners, thereby reducing orincreasing the gap between the mounting bracket and the upper surface ofthe foundation; and wherein the retaining member is a mounting bracketthat is configured and dimensioned for attachment to a buildingfoundation, and includes a flange for engaging the second holding memberportion.
 4. A frame structure having at least a roofing member and oneor more wall members erected upon a foundation, the structurecomprising: a structural fastening apparatus according to claim 3providing a continuous tensile load path between the roofing member andthe structure's foundation to direct upward or lateral forces to thestructure's foundation; wherein: the first holding member ismechanically affixed to an upper portion of a frame building wall; themounting bracket is mechanically anchored to the structure's foundation;at least a portion of the second holding member is secured to themounting bracket; and the flexible sheeting is attached to the first andsecond holding members to provide a continuous load path from the framewall members through the flexible sheeting to the foundation.
 5. Theframe structure of claim 4, wherein the flexible sheeting is positionedon the outside face of the frame, and is directly adjacent to and incontact with a sheathing layer of an exterior frame wall to create acontinuous load path from the upper portion of a building wall frame tothe foundation along a length of the building wall.
 6. The framestructure of claim 5 further comprising one or more polymer battenstrips, or an additional scrim layer or a plurality of scrim layers,affixed to an exterior frame wall, wherein the polymer batten strip, orthe additional scrim layer or the plurality of scrim layers, is affixedin a vertical direction adjacent to one or more openings framed into theexterior frame wall to create a reinforced continuous load path from theupper top plate or upper portion of a building wall frame to thefoundation.
 7. The frame structure of claim 5, further comprising a rooffastening member mechanically affixed to and operatively connecting oneor more roofing member(s) to the building wall frame.
 8. The framestructure of claim 4, wherein: the first holding member has openings foraccepting mechanical fasteners for fastening the first holding member ina vertical position to a plurality of roof trusses and blocking members,and the first holding member is mechanically anchored to the buildingwall frame in a vertical position by the mechanical fasteners; themounting bracket is mechanically anchored to the building foundation bythe fasteners, wherein the mounting bracket can be retensioned byretightening the fasteners; the second holding member is secured to themounting bracket flange; and the high strength, flexible sheetingconnects the first holding member to the second holding member tothereby create a continuous tensile load path between a top wall memberof the building wall frame and the building foundation, and directsupward or lateral forces to the building foundation.
 9. The framestructure of claim 4, wherein the roofing member forms at least part ofa raised or high heel roof comprising roof blocking or sheathing, andthe first holding member is attached to a sidewall of the roof blockingor sheathing.
 10. The frame structure of claim 9, wherein the retainingmember is a bracket that is initially affixed to the foundation withadjustable bolts and after adjustment of tension on the flexible memberis permanently affixed to a foundation wall.
 11. A frame structurehaving at least a roofing member and one or more wall members erectedupon a foundation, the structure comprising: a flexible sheeting havingtop and bottom edge portions; a first holding member attached along thetop edge portion of the flexible sheeting, and mechanically affixed toan upper portion of a frame building wall; a second holding memberattached along the bottom edge portion of the flexible sheeting; and amounting bracket that is configured and dimensioned for attachment to abuilding foundation, and comprises a flange that is configured anddimensioned to receive at least a portion of the second holding memberto provide a continuous tensile load path between the roofing member andthe structure's foundation to direct upward or lateral forces to thestructure's foundation, wherein: the mounting bracket is mechanicallyanchored to the structure's foundation; at least a portion of the secondholding member is secured to the mounting bracket; and the flexiblesheeting is attached to the first and second holding members to providea continuous load path from the frame wall members through the flexiblesheeting to the foundation.
 12. The frame structure of claim 11, furthercomprising a roof fastening member mechanically affixed to andoperatively connecting one or more roofing member(s) to the buildingwall frame.
 13. The frame structure of claim 11, wherein: the firstholding member has openings for accepting mechanical fasteners forfastening the first holding member in a vertical position to a pluralityof roof trusses and blocking members, and the first holding member ismechanically anchored to the building wall frame in a vertical positionby the mechanical fasteners; the mounting bracket is mechanicallyanchored to the building foundation by fasteners, such that the mountingbracket can be retensioned by retightening the fasteners; the secondholding member is secured to the mounting bracket flange; and theflexible sheeting connects the first holding member to the secondholding member to thereby create a continuous tensile load path betweena top wall member of the building wall frame and the buildingfoundation, and directs upward or lateral forces to the buildingfoundation.